Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger
This was easily the best book I’ve read so far this year.
I usually try to include my own little summary of what happens in a book at the beginning of my reviews, but I’m not sure I can even begin to describe “Her Fearful Symmetry,” so this time I’m going to have to let the publisher’s description give you an idea of what this book was about:
When Elspeth Noblin dies of cancer, she leaves her London apartment to her twin nieces, Julia and Valentina. These two American girls never met their English aunt, only knew that their mother, too, was a twin, and Elspeth her sister. Julia and Valentina are semi-normal American teenagers–with seemingly little interest in college, finding jobs, or anything outside their cozy home in the suburbs of Chicago, and with an abnormally intense attachment to one another.
The girls move to Elspeth’s flat, which borders Highgate Cemetery in London. They come to know the building’s other residents. There is Martin, a brilliant and charming crossword puzzle setter suffering from crippling Obsessive Compulsive Disorder; Marjike, Martin’s devoted but trapped wife; and Robert, Elspeth’s elusive lover, a scholar of the cemetery. As the girls become embroiled in the fraying lives of their aunt’s neighbors, they also discover that much is still alive in Highgate, including–perhaps–their aunt, who can’t seem to leave her old apartment and life behind.
Niffenegger weaves a captivating story in Her Fearful Symmetry about love and identity, about secrets and sisterhood, and about the tenacity of life–even after death.
Now, usually when a publisher says that their book is ‘captivating,’ I take that with a grain of salt. In this case, though, they are spot on. I was absolutely enthralled by “Her Fearful Symmetry,” I could barely put the book down for any reason. One amazing thing was how well fleshed-out all of the characters were, including Marjike and Martin, the neighbors. The twins were often not particularly likeable, but I couldn’t help but love Martin and Robert. The story was deliciously creepy and had just the right level of paranormal activity, which Niffenegger made seem perfectly reasonable, just as she did with the time travel element in “The Time Traveler’s Wife.” This is all not even to mention the writing, which was lovely and descriptive. There was one chapter involving a desk drawer – read it, you’ll know what I’m talking about – that was simply fabulous.
Honestly? I think this was even better than “The Time Traveler’s Wife” and I hope that Niffenegger is hard at work on her next book – I just hope we don’t have to wait another six years!
“Her Fearful Symmetry” is being released September 29th, 2009.
Buy this book from:
Powells.
A local independent bookstore via Indiebound.
Amazon.
I agree! This book was absolutely fantastic and easily one of the best I’ve read this year. She’s truly an amazing writer.
OH how you taunt me! I have this one on reserve at the library and can’t wait!
I’m looking forward to reading this one. I’ve heard nothing but good things about it.
.-= Zia´s last blog ..Teaser Tuesday =-.
This book was wonderful, however, I was a little disappointed at the ending… I hope we can expect a 3rd book soon!
Great…a chance to test out using my Library Thing wishlist feature.
Thanks for the review! I have this at home and am looking forward to reading it – I am a huge TTTW fan.
I am so jealous you have read this book! I haven’t gotten my hands on it yet. I am contemplating buying a copy, despite the fact that I can’t really afford to. I have it on hold at my library but I’m #177 so the chances of reading it soon are slim to none!
.-= Stephanie´s last blog ..Giveaway!! =-.
Oh no! 177th? You can probably wait and buy the paperback by the time they get to you! Maybe you could convince a friend that they HAVE to read this, then borrow it from them.
I’ve ordered this and can’t wait to get it!! It is one that I have been extremely excited about! Great review!
Really? That good? Okay, you’ve sold me. I’m off to buy it!
I went ahead and bought it pretty much the second I posted my last comment. I figure I’ll have it in my hands sometime during the first week of October. I think I may save it for the read-a-thon, but there’s a good chance I’ll have to rip into it the second I get my hands on it!
.-= Stephanie´s last blog ..Giveaway!! =-.
Thanks so much for taking your time to write a thoughtful review. For more information on Her Fearful Symmetry, please check out the Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Her-Fearful-Symmetry/68080996784
I skipped all the way to the end — It’s *better* than TTW? It’s on my list for next early October.
I’m all kinds of excited about this book. Not to mention jealous, how did you get so lucky to get a copy? I have it requested from the library but I still have to wait for it. I’m really looking forward to reading this.
.-= Jessica´s last blog ..Lol doggie =-.
I can’t wait to get my turn at the library on this one; I’m greeen with envy that you read/reviewed it and loved it so much :0
Boy, does this sound good. I don’t have to like all the characters in a book to enjoy it.
So glad that this one looks like it lives up to the anticipation we have all put on it, really looking forward to getting this one.
.-= Bart’s Bookshelf´s last blog ..Review: Les Enfants Terribles by Jean Cocteau =-.
I’m with you on the desk drawer. I also loved Martin. This is a book I haven’t been able to stop thinking about. I fell in love with it about 60 pages in. The ending keeps me thinking. I’m not sure that I liked it, but I’m not sure that I didn’t. Does that make sense? I definitely say “Read it!” I can’t wait to hear what people have to say. There’s so much that can be said.
This book has been on my wishlist! I’m glad you loved it!
You know I wholeheartedly second this emotion! This book defies summarizing, and even if we could summarize the plot points, we’d still be leaving out SO VERY MUCH. Because this is one of those books where what happens is important, but a whole lot of other stuff is important, too.
And ditto on the desk drawer. One of my favorite details in a book, ever.
Good review! I am really looking forward to this book.
Loved this review! I’m number 8 at my library, and they’re ordering 3 copies!! So hopefully I’ll get this one soon.
I’m really intrigued by this book. Great review.
.-= Ryan´s last blog ..Teaser Tuesdays =-.
I really don’t know why I haven’t ordered this book yet. I guess I got sidetracked with Brown’s “The Lost Symbol” and Conroy’s “South of Broad.” Thanks for reminding me that I do “need” to read “Her Fearful Symmetry.”
Malcolm
I loved your review, and I can’t wait to read this one!
.-= Kay´s last blog ..Wodless Wednesday : A love for books =-.
Ok, you got my attention with this review. I’m going to have to check it out. Thanks!
Nice succinct review! I am requesting this from the library.
I’m so glad this lived up to the expectations!
The Time Traveller’s Wife was THE first book I ever bought in hardcover, and it looks like I’ll be buying this one too as soon as it comes out!!
.-= lenore´s last blog ..Book Review: Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver =-.
I am so jealous of everyone who managed to snag ARCs of this… it sounds like it was fantastic. I can’t wait to read it!
.-= Fyrefly´s last blog ..Deborah Madison and Patrick McFarlin – What We Eat When We Eat Alone =-.
I waited until a Sunday to pick up Her Fearful Symmetry, and I’m so glad I did, because once I started reading it, I could NOT put it down! A-mazing.
Great review.
Better than Time Travler’s Wife though? I’m going to have to re-read TTW to make that call.
I agree with you, waiting so long for another Audrey N. novel would be hard…but if she can come out with something as original as her first two? It will be well worth the wait.
Thank you for this thoughtful and enthusiastic review of HFS! My name is Matt from Regal Literary, Audrey’s literary agency.
Readers of this blog might be interested in knowing that Regal is giving away ten advanced reader’s copies and three first edition hardcovers of the new Audrey Niffenegger book, Her Fearful Symmetry, on October 1st in a lottery to anyone who joins the facebook page as a fan and sends an e-mail to hfs@regal-literary.com. Good luck!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Her-Fearful-Symmetry/68080996784
Wow, this was a popular post! lol
I am looking forward to reading it. Won’t be too much longer…
I haven’t read any books by Niffenegger. I know, I’m really missing out but when I checked out Time Travelers Wife from my library, my mom stole it and read it before I had the chance to and then before I knew it, the book was due! Anyway, I’m now making it my goal to read this and Time Traveler’s Wife ASAP!
I didn’t enter your giveaway for this because I already have it on preorder and I can’t cancel now!! I’ve been waiting for this book and I’m so excited. I saw that Entertainment Weekly gave it a “bad” review (C) and I was worried so I’m glad to hear how much you liked it. Not that I don’t read a book if someone doesn’t like it but I know expectations are high for this one so I was a bit nervous!
Loved it, loved it, loved it. Great review!
.-= S. Krishna´s last blog ..Her Fearful Symmetry – Audrey Niffenegger =-.
When I was in Target, I was about to pick up the TTW but happened to glance at this book and the cover grabbed my attention. I decided to get it instead of the TTW and I loved it!Audrey Niffenenegger is able to tell a story like no one else. I read the book all in one weekend It is very suspenseful and eerie but all in a good way. A perfect read right before Halloween!